This week on Korea Pro Podcast, we start by examining the case of a South Korean missionary charged with espionage in Russia and the potential fate that awaits him.

Next, we delve into the controversial nomination of a scandal-ridden former South Korean defense minister, Lee Jong-sup, currently under investigation for abuse of power, to serve as the country’s ambassador to Australia.

We then discuss South Korea’s role in hosting the upcoming Summit for Democracy and the potential reason the country was chosen to host the event despite democracy’s retreat in the country under the Yoon administration.

Shifting the focus to the upcoming general election, we explore the parties’ nomination processes and the official start of campaigning on March 28. We also shed light on some of South Korea’s more unusual campaign practices and problematic candidates, including a conservative who has expressed disdain for the country’s 1980s democratization movement, another conservative with no qualms about orgies and a progressive candidate who was snubbed despite primary voters’ support due to his status as a conscientious objector.

Finally, Jeongmin introduces her new analytical series: “Korea Insider” and “Election Watch.” This week, she profiles former justice minister Han Dong-hoon’s rise to political celebrity and analyzes the rise of former justice minister Cho Kuk’s new political party for her two series, respectively.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on March 14, 2024. 

Audio edited by Joe Smith